Have You Stopped Buying Coats?

Oct 09, 2007 @ 9:30am

So far, the "Seasonless Dressing" discussion has only hit your closet -

When it's still so warm in October, you're probably just frantic to find something Fall-appropriate that's also breeze-friendly.

But today, The Telegraph explores another point of concern:

Designers and retailers are worried that warmer winters will kill a big Fall item - The Coat.

If you'll only wear it for one or two months a year, will you still splurge on something expensive? And will you only need one winter coat, instead of several, to keep you fashionably snug in the snow?

Coats are our favorite item, especially since over jeans, they can still make an outfit look fresh and formal (note the Missoni princess coat at left).

But have you stopped buying them?

posted by stacy

Oct 09, 2007 9:45AM

Honestly, coats aren't really necessary if you don't live in a city. If you live in the suburbs, you just turn the heat on in your car and walk quickly into the building you're going to. So what if you're a bit chilly for a few minutes...it's better than being a bit sweaty.

But if you live in the city.....I have about 5 different trenchcoats!

posted by Miss Jeffrey

Oct 09, 2007 9:53AM

No new coat for me. I need to get the zipper fixed on my CK puffer coat for heavy winter, but if it gets more autumnal, I have a Michael Kors camel hair coat.

posted by anon

Oct 09, 2007 10:23AM

THAT COAT!!!!!!!!!

posted by Pink Tartan

Oct 09, 2007 10:44AM

Last winter, I bought a fabu coat but because it was so warm, only wore it twice. No new coat for me this winter, either.
If it stays warmish, I have a CK camel hair that'll do the trick.

posted by Susanna

Oct 09, 2007 11:15AM

I like the short, swingy coats I'm seeing right now (e.g. Banana Republic). Since I live in such a warm climate, that's more practical for me.

I do have a nice black wool trench that I wear occasionally. But I'm not going to buy a new coat every year (of the coats I own now, I think the newest is three years old). So I tend to stick with classic styles that are well-made so they'll last.

posted by leia

Oct 09, 2007 11:31AM

I bought the prettiest red mj coat last year, only to wear it once in Dallas and twice when I was in Nyc. I'm definitely not buying a new coat anytime soon, since I've spent so much on heavy coats, only to wear my Luella for Target leather motorcycle jacket all winter!

posted by a

Oct 09, 2007 11:44AM

Coats are the most important essential in winter if you live in a city, don't have a car or live in the North/Midwest and have any sensation in your body. I wonder if the problem is global warming in the UK (I'm English and while it is damp there, it isn't cold the way it is here in NYC or Chicago). And maybe the other problem is the cost--it is a high ticket item. In addition, the fashion industry keeps telling us that we now live in a seasonless world, but I think that largely applies to those with enough money to create that seasonless climate. Walking around NYC in the winter without a coat is impossible. For the price per wear, coats are one of the most essential investments.

posted by gutyan

Oct 09, 2007 12:35PM

where i live EVERYONE is wearing down feather stuff, columbia, north face and everyone looks the same. i go to nyc for the weekends and wear my awesome coats there. i love seeing fabulous coats on other people and being jealous. i own 3 different coats and will buy more. and i always justify the price: it is not something really thin and it is big fabric that will keep me warm therefore it is worth it.

posted by Leslie

Oct 09, 2007 12:41PM

I love a great coat, but even though I live in the north, the winters have been so unpredictable. I bought a fur-trimmed coat last year in December, and I couldn't wear it at Christmas because the weather was so warm (the coat is not even that heavy). I am not likely to buy more than one coat per season, though, and I like to wait until January and buy them on sale -- I can't wear them before then, anyway.

posted by Renaye

Oct 09, 2007 1:22PM

I was just saying that to someone.. designers are going to lose alot of money if the weather doesn't cool down.. I was scared to buy this really cute navy peacoat.. I bought it anyway.. just in case

posted by Natalie

Oct 09, 2007 1:52PM

I live in L.A. and I have already bought 5 coats for this season. I think coats are the most fabulous thing to wear because it makes everything underneath it such a mystery. Plus you never know when you'll be jetsetting to another city where they are a must, like San Francisco - I'll be there tomorrow!

posted by

Oct 09, 2007 5:31PM

I LOVE coats and jackets. I dont know why. And yes I am upset that the weather has been unseasonably warm! I have amazing coats that I have hardly had the chance to wear due to the weather. Global warming be gone!!

posted by mrs. o

Oct 10, 2007 4:49PM

The unpredictable winters are such a bummer. But hopefully it's just a cycle that will break. It has happened before. Nevertheless, I won't stop buying coats! Splurged on a gorgeous Matthew Williamson style in August. Come on, Fall...

posted by Dana

Oct 16, 2007 5:54PM

Well...I think the last time I bought a coat was in college, I lived in Indiana at the time. Now, having lived in Texas for the past twenty plus years, I now have a new coat...but, it is a hand-me down from a friend, gwho gave it to me prior to a business trip to Chicago - in the winter.

I spend money on designer purses, but a coat is not a priority spend for me...especially here in Texas!